Quick installation-removal thermal insulation blanket for space craft

Abstract

The invention provides a thermal insulation blanket suitable for removable mounting on a structure such as the exterior of a reusable launch vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention include a batting layer with a rigid screen embedded within it. A cover layer is secured over the batting, and a plurality of fasteners are held by the screen in a position where they extend out from the blanket to be mounted on the exterior of the space craft. The blanket can include two layers of batting with the screen disposed therebetween. The structure would have corresponding mating fasteners on its exterior to which those extending out from the blanket cover would be joined for a secure mount. The blanket can be formed of a first and a second batting layer with the screen positioned therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, a cover would be positioned over the batting layers, and the blanket would be quilted to hold the layers and cover in close proximity. In an embodiment suitable for launch vehicle use, the materials used for the batting, cover and quilting thread would be suitable ceramic fiber materials capable of withstanding reentry heating. The screen can be fabricated of titanium, stainless steel, or other material capable of withstanding reentry temperatures. The fasteners could be any of a variety of commercially available fasteners.